Suspended file folder

ABSTRACT

A suspended file folder assembly is made from thermoplastic material and uses a thermoplastic sheet folded along at least one score line to define a folder, which has a retaining portion at upper edges thereof. A support bar, having a cavity in a bottom portion thereof, mechanically engages with the retaining portion. The interlock between the retaining portion and the cavity of the support bar is weight bearing and serves to distribute the load of the folder along the length of the cavity of the support bar and the upper edge of the sheet. The support bars have notches therein for engagement with conventional suspension rails as well as at least one indentation for accommodating an index tab. A rotatable index tab, or clip tab, with a lower part that is complimentary in shape to the support bar and the attachable to the support bar is also provided.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. PatentApplication Serial No. 60/330,437 filed on Oct. 22, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to suspended file folders and filefolder assemblies, and relates particularly to folders and assembliesthat are easily manufactured and have good strength characteristics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Suspended file folders are well known. The most common types areformed from a folded cardboard folder that is attached at its upperedges to metal support bars. The support bars project from either sideof the folder to form hooks engageable with suspension rails of a filingdrawer.

[0004] While such folders have achieved considerable commercial success,they have a variety of disadvantages or weaknesses, including some orall of the following:

[0005] a. The support bars tend to be susceptible to being permanentlybent or otherwise misshapen. Bent or misshapen bars alter the distancebetween the hooks, potentially causing the file folders to fall awayfrom the support bar. The bars typically are of metal of a thicknessthat causes them to bend easily and permanently when loaded with weightfrom files.

[0006] b. The metal support bars glide poorly on the metal suspensionrails. Thus in some versions, separate plastic inserts attached to themetal support bars are employed.

[0007] c. The folders are subject to frequent crumpling or ripping,particularly at a medial fold at a bottom end thereof when in use, whichmust bear both weight and impact from inserted files or papers, and alsoalong the side edges.

[0008] d. At the top of the folder, the cardboard tends to detach as aresult of general wear, poor quality glue, insufficient glue, or poormanufacturing techniques. This is observed both in designs where thecardboard has been folded over the support bars and attached to itself,and in designs where the metal bar and the cardboard are glued orotherwise fastened to each other.

[0009] e. Similarly, the metal bars tend to rip through the cardboard atthe top of the folder due to handling, which causes the edges of themetal bar to cut through the cardboard.

[0010] f. Recycling of the folders is inefficient, since it requiresseparating the cardboard portion from the metal portion. The presence ofadhesives may make recycling more difficult. In practice, the foldersare therefore not often recycled, and instead they are discarded intothe waste stream, which is obviously undesirable.

[0011] g. Manufacture of the folders is not as efficient as it would beif the step of securing the folder to the support bar could be avoided.

[0012] Not all suspended file folders have all of the above problems,and indeed some designs have attempted to address some or all of theseproblems. U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,001 issued to Mark et al. on Jan. 13, 1998teaches a suspended file folder made entirely from thermoplasticmaterial, which makes it easy to manufacture and recycle. Twothermoplastic support bars are permanently fused one to each wall of thefolder to provide strength and rigidity. The support bars are on theinside or outside of the folder. In order to enhance rigidity andstrength, the support bars in Mark et al. are preferably provided withribs.

[0013] Despite the improvements in Mark et al., it has been found thatfolders produced as taught therein, even with the enhancements, are notsufficiently durable in many situations where the weight of the foldercontents is significant. Therefore, there is a need for improvement suchas that provided by the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigateat least one disadvantage of previous suspended file folders. It isparticularly advantageous to provide an improvement with respect to thestrength and/or load carrying capacity thereof, as well as the ease ofmanufacture thereof.

[0015] The invention provides a file folder assembly, which is madeentirely from thermoplastic material. The assembly uses a thermoplasticsheet folded along at least one score line to define a folder. Twothermoplastic support bars are mechanically attached, one to each wallof the folder along the upper edges thereof. The thermoplastic sheet isfitted to a slot or cavity defined at a bottom end of the support bar,by way of a retaining portion provided at the upper edges of the sheetto keep the sheet mechanically attached to the support bars. The edgesof the sheet are in fact load bearing.

[0016] The invention also provides a rigid thermoplastic index tab, orclip tab, made for attachment to the folder assembly. The index tab isdesigned such that it can be rotated in its original position on thesupport bar to change the angle of viewing of an indexing portionthereof for the viewer, without unseating the index tab from itsattachment to the support bar.

[0017] According to an aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a file folder assembly for suspension in a filing unit with twospaced-apart suspension rails. The file folder assembly comprises asheet of thermoplastic polymer folded along at least one medial line todefine a folder having opposing walls extending upwardly from said atleast one medial line, each wall having an upper edge and two sideedges, each of said walls comprising a retaining portion at the upperedge thereof. The file folder assembly also comprises two thermoplasticpolymer support bars each having a pair of legs at a bottom portionthereof defining therebetween a channel terminating in a cavity formechanically engaging with the retaining portion, the support barshaving integral suspension portions extending laterally beyond the sideedges adjacent the upper edge, the suspension portions having notchesconfigured to accommodate said suspension rails, said support bars eachhaving at least one indentation on a generally upper portion thereof foraccepting an index tab.

[0018] The retaining portion can be a single continuous retainingcomponent, which may extend along the entire length of the upper edge oralong a portion thereof. The retaining portion can alternativelycomprise a plurality of discontinuous retaining components positionedalong a portion of the length of the upper edge.

[0019] With respect to the characteristics of the retaining portion, itpreferably has a “T”-shaped cross-section, or an annular cross-section.

[0020] The support bar can have a single indentation at the top of anupper portion thereof, or a pair of indentations on either side of theupper portion thereof, or both. A portion of the cross-section of thesupport bar can be substantially greater in thickness than the sheet ofthermoplastic polymer, the support bars each having a tapered lowerportion which tapers downwardly from the portion of substantiallygreater thickness to substantially zero thickness flush with the sheet.In such a case, the lower portion can be straight tapered or tapered ina curved manner. The support bar is preferably generally ring-shaped,and can be elliptically shaped.

[0021] The file folder assembly preferably further comprises an indextab for attachment to the indentation in one of the support bars. Theindex tab comprises an upper indexing portion for displaying indexinformation, and a lower attaching portion having two leg-likeextensions for mechanically engaging with the upper portion of thesupport bar, allowing limited mechanical rotation of the index tab aboutthe axis of the support bar to provide a wide range of viewing anglesfor the indexing portion while remaining engaged with the support bar.

[0022] The lower attaching portion of the index tab is preferably shapedin a manner that is complimentary to the shape of the support bar towhich it is to mechanically attach. The index tab preferably hasleg-like extensions comprising end portions that engage with the supportbar so as to limit the degree of rotation of the index tab when it ismechanically rotated.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a thermoplastic polymer support bar for use with a file folderfor suspension in a filing unit with two spaced-apart suspension rails,the folder having a retaining portion at an upper edge thereof andhaving side edges. The support bar comprises a pair of legs at a bottomportion thereof defining therebetween a channel terminating in a cavityfor mechanically engaging with the retaining portion, the support barhaving integral suspension portions extending laterally beyond the sideedges adjacent the upper edges, the suspension portions having notchesconfigured to accommodate the suspension rails, the support bars eachhaving at least one indentation on a generally upper portion thereof foraccepting an index tab.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an index tab for attachment to a hanging file folder, thehanging file folder having a support bar with an indentation in an upperportion thereof for receiving the index tab. The index tab comprises anupper indexing portion for displaying index information, and a lowerattaching portion having two leg-like extensions for mechanicallyengaging with the upper portion of the support bar, allowing limitedmechanical rotation of the index tab about the axis of the support barto provide a wide range of viewing angles for the indexing portion whileremaining engaged with the support bar.

[0025] The lower attaching portion of the index tab is preferably shapedin a manner that is complimentary to the shape of the support bar towhich it is to mechanically attach. The index tab preferably hasleg-like extensions comprising end portions that engage with the supportbar so as to limit the degree of rotation of the index tab when it ismechanically rotated.

[0026] The use of a thermoplastic material in order to produce a folderassembly according to embodiments of the present invention ispreferable. A unitary sheet is used such that a material failure wouldbe required for the product to fail. Such a design avoids havingsecondary failure points due to delamination or bonding failure.Conventional paper folders require an abutment, which entails some sortof lamination, whether another piece is added or the sheet is rolled orfolded. The stress on the lamination or fold caused by a supported loadwould cause the lamination or fold to fail (delamination).

[0027] Other aspects and features of the present invention will becomeapparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of thefollowing description of specific embodiments of the invention inconjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, byway of example only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein:

[0029]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a file folder assemblyaccording to the invention;

[0030]FIG. 2 illustrates an end view of the file folder assembly shownin FIG. 1;

[0031]FIG. 3A illustrates a detail perspective view of an upper edge ofa first embodiment of a file folder according to the invention;

[0032]FIG. 3B illustrates a detail perspective view of an upper edge ofa second embodiment of a file folder according to the invention;

[0033]FIG. 3C illustrates a detail perspective view of an upper edge ofa third embodiment of a file folder according to the invention;

[0034]FIG. 3D illustrates a detail perspective view of an upper edge ofa fourth embodiment of a file folder according to the invention;

[0035]FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment ofa support bar according to the invention;

[0036]FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second embodimentof a support bar according to the invention.

[0037]FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment ofa support bar according to the present invention.

[0038]FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate alternative embodiments of theshaping of legs of a support bar according to the present invention;

[0039]FIG. 9 illustrates a plan view of a folder assembly according toembodiment of the present invention;

[0040]FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a index tab according to anembodiment of the present invention; and

[0041]FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a index tab seated on a supportbar (shown in cross-section) according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Generally, the present invention provides a suspended file folderassembly made from thermoplastic material that uses a thermoplasticsheet folded along at least one score line to define a folder, which hasa retaining portion at upper edges thereof. A support bar, having acavity in a bottom portion thereof, mechanically engages with theretaining portion. The interlock between the retaining portion and thecavity of the support bar is weight bearing and serves to distribute theload of the folder along the length of the cavity of the support bar andthe upper edge of the sheet. The support bars have notches therein forengagement with conventional suspension rails as well as at least oneindentation for accommodating an index tab. A rotatable index tab, orclip tab, with a lower part that is complimentary in shape to thesupport bar and the attachable to the support bar is also provided.

[0043]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a file folder assemblyaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. A file folderassembly 100 is preferably made entirely of thermoplastic material. Theassembly 100 uses a thermoplastic sheet 102 folded along one or morescore lines 104 to define a folder 106. The upper edges of the folder106 each comprise a retaining portion (not shown) for fitting into acavity of a support bar 108 and mechanically engaging therewith. Thesupport bars 108 have integral suspension portions extending laterallybeyond the side edges adjacent the upper edge and have notches 110therein, preferably generally U-shaped and downwardly-opening,configured to accommodate conventional suspension rails (not shown),boxes or crates known in the art. The support bars 108 are provided withat least one indentation for accepting an index tab, or clip tab, 112.The thermoplastic support bars 108 are mechanically attached one to eachwall of the folder 106 along the upper edges thereof, to provide therequired degree of strength and rigidity.

[0044]FIG. 2 illustrates an end view of the file folder assembly ofFIG. 1. The view in FIG. 2 provides a clearer illustration of theengagement of the retaining portion at the upper edges of the folder 106with the support bars 108. Various embodiments of a folder, and theretaining portion provided thereon, will now be described.

[0045]FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D illustrate detailed perspective views of anupper edge of various embodiments of a file folder according to theinvention. In FIG. 3A, the retaining portion 114 is illustrated ashaving a “T”-shape in a cross section thereof. The embodiment in FIG. 3Acomprises retaining portion 114, comprising a single continuousretaining portion, in a T-shape cross section extending along the entirelength of the upper edge of the file folder 106. FIG. 3B illustrates analternative embodiment in which the retaining portion 114 is providedalong a portion of the upper edge of the folder 106, and not its entirelength. This embodiment provides the security of the T-shaped retainingportion, with cost savings in that material is not required for theretaining portion 114 along the entire length of the upper edge of thefolder 106.

[0046]FIG. 3C illustrates another embodiment in which the retainingportion 114 has a generally annular or circular cross section, which ispreferably symmetrical around the axis of the sheet 102. FIG. 3Dillustrates a further embodiment in which the retaining portion 114 hasa circular or annular cross section and is provided only along a portionof the upper edge of the folder 106, similar to the situation in FIG.3B.

[0047] The retaining portion 114 is preferably in either a T-crosssection, or of annular, or circular, shape. However, the retainingportion 114 may be of any shape as long as it is functional and loadbearing. Also, the retaining portion can alternatively comprise a singlecontinuous retaining component that does not extend the entire length ofthe upper edge. It will be appreciated that although in FIG. 3B and FIG.3D one retaining component of the retaining portion 114 is illustrated,any number of such discontinuous retaining components provided along thetop of the folder 106 can be used to make up the retaining portion 114.The choice of whether the retaining portion 114 comprises a singlecontinuous retaining component or one or more discontinuous retainingcomponents extending along the entire length of the folder 106 may bemade for economic, stress or load bearing reasons.

[0048]FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment ofa support bar according to the invention. Two thermoplastic support bars108 are mechanically attached one to each wall of the folder along theupper edges thereof to provide the required degree of strength andrigidity. The support bars are preferably generally ring shaped andsymmetrical, with an example of such a shape being elongated such thatit is generally elliptical, or oval shaped.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, an upper, or top, portion of the support bar108 is preferably rounded to provide a high degree of load bearingcapability. The top of the support bar can be made in other shapes if alesser degree of loading bearing capability is sufficient, such as in acase where new plastic material is developed that provides sufficientstrength and rigidity using a less optimal design.

[0050] The support bar 108 is provided with at least one indentation toaccommodate an index tab, also known as a clip tab or sliding tab. Theseindentations are functional rather than structural. In FIG. 4,indentations 116 are preferably provided on the outer edge of eitherside of the upper portion of the support bar 108. If the support bar hasa total height of h, these indentations 116 are preferably positioned ata distance h/4 from the top of the support bar to accommodate a indextab 112 on the upper portion of the support bar. The indentations arepreferably rounded, but may be made in any shape functional for holdingan index tab.

[0051] The support bars are shaped with two legs 118 extending to form alower portion thereof. The lower portion of the support bar, i.e. eachof the legs 118, is preferably curved or straight-tapered on an outersurface thereof to become flush with the thermoplastic sheet 102 whenattached. The tapering allows for the easy removal of the foldercontents. The support bars appear to have been “cored” out narrowly fromthe bottom to a larger cavity 120. The cavity 120, rounded in theillustration, can be any shape that is able to accommodate the retainingportion 114 of the thermoplastic sheet. The cavity 120 is preferablylarger than a channel 122 leading to it, to accomplish mechanicalengagement of the folder 106 in the support bar 108.

[0052] The retaining portion 114 and the cavity 120 of the support bar108 act to mechanically engage each other such that the sheet can not bepulled away or separated from the support bar 108. This lockingarrangement is employed so as to increase the strength and load carryingcapacity of the folder. The fact that the two portions of the lockingarrangement appear modular is but a function of the design. In use, theretaining portion 114 and support bar 108 are not intended to beseparated. The interlock between the retaining portion and the cavity ofthe support bar is weight bearing and serves to distribute the load ofthe folder along the length of the cavity of the support bar and theupper edge of the sheet.

[0053]FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second embodimentof a support bar according to the invention. In this embodiment, thenon-structural indentations 116 are replaced by a top indentation 124.In this manner, the support bar 108 can accommodate an index tab 112 ofa different design than that accommodated in the embodiment shown inFIG. 4.

[0054]FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a support bar accordingto the present invention. In this embodiment both the indentations 116and the top indentation 124 are provided. This allows for the samesupport bar to be used with any one of, or both, distinct types of indextabs.

[0055]FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate alternative embodiments wherein theshaping, or tapering, of the legs 118 of the support bar 108 ismodified. In FIG. 7A, the legs 118 in the lower portion of the supportbar are straight-tapered and the support bar includes the indentations116. In FIG. 7B, the legs 118 are also straight-tapered, but the supportbar is one in which only a top indentation 124 is provided foraccommodation of an index tab. FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B illustrateembodiments in which the legs 118 are tapered in a curved manner, withsupport bars similar to those shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B,respectively. These embodiments shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrateexamples of different tapering that may be used so as to facilitate theeasy removal of folder contents without hitting the support bars andpossibly dislodging or damaging them, as well as avoiding damage to thefolder contents.

[0056]FIG. 9 illustrates a plan view of a folder assembly according toan embodiment of the present invention. This plan view facilitatesidentification of the elements such as sheet 102, score lines 104,support rail 108, and notches 110.

[0057] Preferably, there are two of the score lines 104 at the bottom ofthe folder, so that the folder is somewhat U-shaped rather thanV-shaped, to provide greater wear resistance by reducing the angle ateach score. Additional score lines may be provided as well, if desired,particularly to accommodate thicker files or more papers.

[0058] Another aspect of the present invention provides an index tab,such as a plastic clip tab or sliding indexing tab, preferably made of arigid thermoplastic polymer for mechanical attachment to a support barof a hanging file folder, such as one of those described above inrelation to embodiments of the invention.

[0059]FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of an index tab 112 according toan aspect of the present invention. An upper indexing portion of theindex tab 112 provides an area for information to be displayed. A lowerattaching portion of the index tab 112 is specifically formed to a shapethat is complimentary to the shape of the support bar portion of thehanging folder 106 to which it is to mechanically attach. The lower orattaching portion of the clip has two leg-like extensions 126 that arepreferably similar in length, but can be of differing length, to allowfor controlled angular displacement or degree of rotation of the indextab 112. The two legs 126 are curved to conform with and grasp thesupport bar 108. The two leg-like extensions also conform to theindentations of the support bar 108.

[0060] The feet or end portions 128 of the leg-like extensions 126prevent flexing of the index tab 112. They also act as a stop to controlthe degree of rotation of the index tab 112. The end portions, or feet,128 engage with the support bar so as to limit the degree of rotation ofthe index tab when it is mechanically rotated. The index tab and supportbar arrangement will now be described in more detail with reference toFIG. 11.

[0061]FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of an index tab 112 according toan embodiment of the present invention seated on a support bar 108(shown in cross-section) of a hanging file folder. The indentations 116are functional since they allow the index tab 112 to grip the supportbar 108 and rotate about the axis of the support bar. The index tab 112is not fixed in one particular rigid position, but is free to bemechanically rotated in a limited path about the axis of the support bar108, so as to allow for viewing of the index tab at multiple angles,without dislodging it.

[0062] The path of movement of the index tab 112 on the support bar 108is such that it does not cause one or both of the legs 126 to flex awayfrom the index tab 112 and be released from its seated, or engaged,position. The intent of providing secure rotatable engagement of theindex tab 112 in the support bar 108 is to render the index tabpositionable, i.e. movable but not removable. Due to this securerotatable engagement, the index tab can also be used to remove the fileby pulling it to lift it from the filing system.

[0063] Design of the index tab such that it can be mechanically rotatedincreases the range of angles from which the index tab, and anyinformation contained thereon, can be easily viewed. Arrangements forplacing information on such a index tab are known to those of skill inthe art. For example, the index tab can have a face portion and alabel-carrying slot defined behind the face portion, in which a labelcan be placed. As another example, an adhesive label can be affixed onthe face portion.

[0064] The use of a thermoplastic material in order to produce a folderassembly according to embodiments of the present invention ispreferable. A unitary sheet is used such that a material failure wouldbe required for the product to fail. Such a design avoids havingsecondary failure points such as delamination or bonding failure.

[0065] The material used to form the file folder is preferably athermoplastic polymer. It is preferred that the thermoplastic polymer bea melt-formable polymer, for ease of fabrication e.g. by melt extrusionof the polymer in a sheet. Excess polymer can also be recycled andre-extruded into a sheet.

[0066] The polymer in the sheet used to form the folder should havesubstantial stiffness, but still be sufficiently flexible to permitinsertion of files into the folder. Sufficient stiffness is required atthe top of the folder i.e. in the area used to suspend the file folders,referred to herein as upper edges having integral projecting endportions. The polymer used to form the support bars, in particular,should have properties so as to provide sufficient stiffness andstrength for the support bars to be load bearing i.e. be substantiallyrigid but still have some flexibility. It is to be understood that thismay be accomplished by selection of the thermoplastic material, butaddition of reinforcing agents to a thermoplastic material similar tothat used for the sheet is likely to be more conducive and amenable torecycling. In addition, the polymer needs to be capable of formingfolds. The folds need to have significant wear resistance and strengthfor continued use of the folder.

[0067] For thermoplastic materials, the thickness of the sheet used toform the body of the folder preferably should be at least 5 mils (0.005inches), and preferably 10-20 mils, 12-15 mils being the likely optimum.However, the thickness will depend on the particular thermoplasticpolymer selected, and the strength and stiffness properties of thatthermoplastic material, as well as the size of the folder being formed.The thermoplastic sheet used to form the folder will be preferably ofuniform thickness.

[0068] The sheet and support bars can be formed from the samethermoplastic material, which facilitates recycling. The samethermoplastic material can also be used for the index tab. However, thepolymer used to form the support bars may contain reinforcing agents,e.g. conventional fillers such as talc, mica, glass, etc.

[0069] The above-described embodiments of the present invention areintended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variationsmay be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in theart without departing from the scope of the invention, which is definedsolely by the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A file folder assembly for suspension in a filingunit with two spaced-apart suspension rails, said file folder assemblycomprising: a sheet of thermoplastic polymer folded along at least onemedial line to define a folder having opposing walls extending upwardlyfrom said at least one medial line, each wall having an upper edge andtwo side edges, each of said walls comprising a retaining portion at theupper edge thereof; and two thermoplastic polymer support bars eachhaving a pair of legs at a bottom portion thereof defining therebetweena channel terminating in a cavity for mechanically engaging with saidretaining portion, the support bars having integral suspension portionsextending laterally beyond the side edges adjacent the upper edge, thesuspension portions having notches configured to accommodate saidsuspension rails, said support bars each having at least one indentationon a generally upper portion thereof for accepting an index tab.
 2. Afile folder assembly according to claim 1 wherein the retaining portioncomprises a single continuous retaining component.
 3. A file folderassembly according to claim 1 wherein the retaining portion extendsalong the entire length of the upper edge.
 4. A file folder assemblyaccording to claim 1 wherein the retaining portion comprises a pluralityof discontinuous retaining components positioned along a portion of thelength of the upper edge.
 5. A file folder assembly according to claim 1wherein the retaining portion has a “T”-shaped cross-section.
 6. A filefolder assembly according to claim 1 wherein the retaining portion hasan annular cross-section.
 7. A file folder assembly according to claim 1wherein the support bar has a single indentation at the top of an upperportion thereof.
 8. A file folder assembly according to claim 1 whereinthe support bar has a pair of indentations on either side of the upperportion thereof.
 9. A file folder assembly according to claim 1 whereinat least a portion of the cross-section of the support bar issubstantially greater in thickness than the sheet of thermoplasticpolymer, the support bars each having a tapered lower portion whichtapers downwardly from the portion of substantially greater thickness tosubstantially zero thickness flush with the sheet.
 10. A file folderassembly according to claim 9 wherein the lower portion is straighttapered.
 11. A file folder assembly according to claim 9 wherein thelower portion is tapered in a curved manner.
 12. A file folder assemblyaccording to claim 1 wherein the support bar is generally ring-shaped.13. A file folder assembly according to claim 1 wherein the support baris elliptically shaped.
 14. A file folder assembly according to claim 1further comprising an index tab for attachment to the indentation in oneof the support bars, the index tab comprising: an upper indexing portionfor displaying index information; and a lower attaching portion havingtwo leg-like extensions for mechanically engaging with the upper portionof the support bar, allowing limited mechanical rotation of the indextab about the axis of the support bar to provide a wide range of viewingangles for the indexing portion while remaining engaged with the supportbar.
 15. A file folder assembly according to claim 14 wherein the lowerattaching portion of the index tab is shaped in a manner that iscomplimentary to the shape of the support bar to which it is tomechanically attach.
 16. A file folder assembly according to claim 14wherein the leg-like extensions comprise end portions that engage withthe support bar so as to limit the degree of rotation of the index tabwhen it is mechanically rotated.
 17. A thermoplastic polymer support barfor use with a file folder for suspension in a filing unit with twospaced-apart suspension rails, the folder having a retaining portion atan upper edge thereof and having side edges, the support bar comprising:a pair of legs at a bottom portion thereof defining therebetween achannel terminating in a cavity for mechanically engaging with theretaining portion, the support bar having integral suspension portionsextending laterally beyond the side edges adjacent the upper edges, thesuspension portions having notches configured to accommodate thesuspension rails, the support bars each having at least one indentationon a generally upper portion thereof for accepting an index tab.
 18. Anindex tab for attachment to a hanging file folder, the hanging filefolder having a support bar with an indentation in an upper portionthereof for receiving the index tab, the index tab comprising: an upperindexing portion for displaying index information; and a lower attachingportion having two leg-like extensions for mechanically engaging withthe upper portion of the support bar, allowing limited mechanicalrotation of the index tab about the axis of the support bar to provide awide range of viewing angles for the indexing portion while remainingengaged with the support bar.
 19. An index tab according to claim 18wherein the lower attaching portion of the index tab is shaped in amanner that is complimentary to the shape of the support bar to which itis to mechanically attach.
 20. An index tab according to claim 18wherein the leg-like extensions comprise end portions that engage withthe support bar so as to limit the degree of rotation of the index tabwhen it is mechanically rotated.